2025 Audi Q7 vs 2026 Volvo XC90
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Audi Q7 and the 2026 Volvo XC90 often comes down to whether you prioritize subtle performance advantages or slight fuel economy gains in a premium three-row crossover. The Q7 starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $60,500 compared to the XC90's $61,050, a difference of $550. Performance-wise, the Audi pulls ahead with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, edging out the Volvo's 247 hp and 266 lb-ft, making the Q7 the snappier driver. However, the XC90 wins the efficiency battle, achieving a combined 24 MPG versus the Audi's 22 MPG, utilizing premium fuel (recommended vs. required). Furthermore, the Q7 is slightly longer at 199.3 inches, offering a different road presence than the taller Volvo at 69.9 inches. These small gaps dictate which vehicle best serves daily needs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is the better choice for daily commuting due to its marginally better fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG combined.
2025 Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 offers a longer overall footprint at 199.3 inches and slightly more readily available power for merging.
2025 Audi Q7
The 2025 Audi Q7 provides more muscle with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 offers superior power output for a lower base price of $60,500.
Choose the Audi Q7 if...
- You require a required premium unleaded fuel type and prefer that power delivery over maximum efficiency.
- You prefer the slightly greater engine output, specifically the 261 horsepower rating.
- You want the longer exterior dimension, measuring 199.3 inches in length.
Choose the Volvo XC90 if...
- You want the best available fuel economy, getting 27 MPG on the highway.
- You prioritize the slightly taller vehicle stance at 69.9 inches for potentially better outward visibility.
- You prefer to use premium unleaded fuel only as a recommendation rather than a requirement.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q7 | Volvo XC90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.3" | 195.0" |
| Width | 77.6" | - |
| Height | 68.5" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 117.9" | 117.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Cornering Lights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Washers | โ | โ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 247 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 22/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 450.0/585.0 mi. | 413.6/507.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 18.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 11.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 220W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 38.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | โ | 56.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | โ | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.8 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.8 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | โ | โ |
| Rear Hip Room | โ | 56.5 in. |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | โ | โ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Diameter | 19 in | 20 in. |
| Tire Size | 255/55R H | 275/45R20 |
| Run Flat Tires | โ | โ |
| Wheel Finish | โ | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | โ | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | โ | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | โ | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | โ | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q7 and 2026 Volvo XC90.
Is the fuel requirement a major difference between the Q7 and XC90?
Yes, the 2025 Audi Q7 requires premium unleaded fuel, which can increase operating costs. In contrast, the 2026 Volvo XC90 only recommends premium unleaded, offering more flexibility if you choose to use regular fuel.
How do the performance figures actually compare?
The Audi Q7 holds a clear advantage in performance metrics, producing 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Volvo XC90 trails slightly with 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque from its engine.
Which car is physically larger?
The Audi Q7 is longer overall, measuring 199.3 inches compared to the Volvo's 195.0 inches. However, the Volvo XC90 sits slightly taller on the road at 69.9 inches versus the Audi's 68.5 inches.
Does the difference in MPG matter much for an AWD crossover?
The difference is noticeable over the long term; the XC90 achieves 24 MPG combined, beating the Q7's 22 MPG combined. For long-distance driving, the Volvo will save a bit more at the pump.
What is the starting price difference between these two models?
The 2025 Audi Q7 has a slight MSRP advantage, starting at $60,500, while the 2026 Volvo XC90 is priced at $61,050.
Both cars use the same type of transmission, right?
Yes, both the Q7 and the XC90 come equipped standard with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear transitions in both AWD platforms.
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